Congregations and parents understand this oh so well. The expense of tuition itself is a great sacrifice for all. How many other things could be purchased?
Right after the beginning of the Reformation in 1517, the education of children took a hit in Germany. God , through Luther and many others, restored the purity of the Gospel. The forgiveness of sins found only in Jesus and given only by grace to each person through the Word was restored. Sinners don’t have to contribute to Jesus’ work of salvation on the Cross. It’s a One-sided gift by the Father of the Gift, Jesus Christ.
The parents reasoned, however, that if the present schools of that day did not teach a solid grounding of the Christian faith, well, then why send the children to the schools at all. Attendance dropped, even at the universities, in the regions where the Reformation made headway.
Martin Luther writes in 1524 to the ruling princes of the absolute necessity to train children. He maintained that the spiritual education of both boys and girls was absolutely essential “if they are to become useful citizens,” (American Edition, Vo. 45, p. 344).
Interestingly, up to that point the education of girls did not happen frequently. Luther’s suggestion for both girls and boys was something essentially new. Even in 1520, he recommended an establishment of an all-girls’ school in Wittenberg (Ibid). Along with this recommendation, he would offer room and board accommodations to the teachers.
Let’s understand the meaning of “useful citizens.” This was far more than a better morality, to instill morals and virtue in the young children. Rather, moral improvement, it was believed, did not happen unless it is based on the Holy Spirit’s work of a changed heart through the Word of God.
Children need Christ, and Christ gives them life. They need God’s Spirit given through Holy Baptism to believe, love and to fight temptation from the Devil.
Jesus’ own words fit: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing,” (John 15:5).
In the winter of 1542-1543, Luther and his colleagues discussed schools. Luther’s words still ring true:
“When schools flourish, things go well and the church is secure. Let us make more doctors and masters. The youth is the church’s nursery and fountainhead. When we are dead, where are others [to take our place] if there are no schools? God has preserved the church though schools…Little boys have learned at least the Lord’s Prayer and the (Apostle’s) Creed in the schools, and the church has been remarkably preserved through such small schools,” (American Edition, Vo. 54, p. 452).
Pastor Golter is Trinity Lutheran's Senior Pastor. You can contact him at randall.golter@trinitydavenportorg.
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